All to lose as players push for NSW spots

Date: February 04 2013

Rupert Guinness

WARATAHS coach Michael Cheika has a selection battle on his hands as he prepares to welcome back the Wallabies on his roster to a squad that impressed during Saturday's trial against Melbourne - none more so than Israel Folau.

So tight is the selection race that Cheika, speaking after returning to Sydney from Hobart on Sunday, said while Folau made a great debut for New South Wales as the starting fullback, the No. 15 jersey was by no means ''his to lose''.

Cheika has an abundance of options on both wings and at fullback. Based on Saturday's game, he said Folau was not the only non-Wallaby who will challenge Test veterans such as Lachlan Turner, Drew Mitchell and Adam Ashley-Cooper for roles in the back line.

Cheika said Folau, Cam Crawford, Tom Kingston and Peter Betham all did their selection hopes a power of good. The strong showing in the centres of Elijah Niko, one of 10 uncontracted players granted an opportunity to impress, tightened the selection race.

''It's going to hot up. It is starting to squeeze up already,'' Cheika said, looking ahead to the Waratahs' second trial against the Auckland Blues in Whangarei, New Zealand, on Saturday. ''And we still have Berrick [Barnes] and Ashley-Cooper to come back the week after [for NSW's third trial against the Crusaders].''

Cheika reiterated he would not be swayed by reputation. Asked if there was a chance of Wallabies on the bench, he said: ''Possibly.''

He also confirmed that several of the club players he took to Hobart ''have earned the spot to go again'' and play in the second trial with back-rower AJ Gilbert (Norths) top of the list.

After a night of reflection, Cheika also said he wanted Folau to play his natural strong running game, which, he feels, suits the style of game the Waratahs want to play this season.

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